The Ford EcoSport replacement has been spotted once again, this time during cold weather testing near the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia. Our photographers snapped two prototypes which were apparently racing each other on an improvised circuit on a frozen lake. (Update 3/12/2019)

Ford’s SUV onslaught is in full swing in North America and it looks like things won’t be much different in Europe either. A sign of things to come for the automaker’s European division is this Fiesta-based SUV prototype our photographers snapped in Germany.

Another Fiesta-based SUV, you say? Ford already has the EcoSport and the Fiesta Active in Europe so why does it need a third B-segment SUV? Well, the Fiesta Active is just a jacked-up version of the hatchback and the EcoSport is getting a bit too old. Not to mention it’s a bit cramped compared to competitors. The new model will replace the EcoSport to give Ford a solid boost in one of the hottest market segments right now.

A roomier, more upscale replacement for the Ford EcoSport

The as-yet-unnamed model will compete with small SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3, Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, and the like. The prototype you see in the photos is in production trim but features heavy camouflage and padded panels to disguise its shape.

Still, we can spot details such as the high front end and the sloping roofline that gives it a four-door coupe vibe. Newer photos also reveal the final production LED taillights that resemble those on the new Fiesta but seem to be more elongated. It definitely looks bigger and better-proportioned than the EcoSport, as well as more dynamic.

It should debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale in 2020

The interior will not only offer more space compared to the EcoSport but also a more premium environment. Expect Ford to offer trims such as Titanium and ST-Line above the standard grade. New pictures provide the first look at the dashboard but, as you can see, it’s still a work in progress. The steering wheel is clearly sourced from the Fiesta and the instrument panel might be taken from the supermini as well.

As a recent report from Autonews Europe revealed, this new model will be made in the same plant in Craiova, Romania where the EcoSport is currently built for European markets. The model will co-exist with the Fiesta Active jacked-up hatchback and will cover the market segment below the Kuga.

The name of Ford’s new SUV remains a mystery for now, though it’s rumored to adopt the Puma moniker. We’ll see whether that holds true later this year when Ford is expected to unveil the new Fiesta-based SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo credits: CarPix | S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for Carscoops

Man they have so much catching up to do, Renault Captur will soon get its second generation.

no25

I don’t understand what the Captur almost being on a 2nd gen has to do with anything. It’s not like this is gonna come out and be 6 years old already. Thats not how the auto industry works, bud.

Dennis Scipio

I was thinking too, this might be the next generation EcoSport, since the current gen one is based off of the previous-gen Fiesta as well.

NoMan2015

Others are reporting this might be Focus-based. The Fiesta has four lug-nut wheels, while this has five…indicating these aren’t Fiesta underpinnings.

Benjamin B.

I’m not familiar with current generation Euro Fiesta, but I thought it had 5 lugs. Anyway, there’s a chance this new crossover is the “baby Bronco” Ford has said it’s developing. If it is, we know that A. it’s not going to be a traditional off-roader and B. it’ll be on sale in Europe.

NoMan2015

we’ve seen leaks of the Baby Bronco and it looks nothing like this…plus i think it’s way further in development than this mule suggests. and no, the new Euro Fiesta still has 4 lugs.

Paul

What if… It’s more like or is the Ford Focus Activ. that the US wasn’t supposed to get?

DMJ

That depends. The 2006 Opel Corsa had 4 lug-nuts in all versions, except the engines with 100hp+, that had 5 lug-nuts, like the OPC or the 1.7 CDTI diesel. Not related to underpinnings, it was the same car.

NoMan2015

Just one indicator, but since others were reporting it I thought it was worth mentioning

Dude

The Fit has four lug-nut wheels while the HRV that rides the same platform has five.

NoMan2015

Hence why I said “might”

Paul

It’s new and it’s next, that we know. I’d say based on the larger Focus. It could be that the EcoSport is getting a boost underneath but who knows at this point.

Ilbirs

A possibility: maybe we’re seeing the Mk3 EcoSport and this new Eco being a radical styling departure from the Mk2, changing the silhouette from the “small and tall wagon” theme to the “big hatchback” we’re seeing as the more usual on the segment (HR-V, Kona, Stonic, CX-3 and others). By doing this, maybe Ford catches some orphaned audience from the Focus.

Dude

So the plan is to cancel all the cars, give them a little lift and stretch, and essentially re-introduce them? Ok then Ford

My first thought was that, here in the States, it can’t come soon enough. But, in retrospect, I don’t think this class of CUV is anywhere near on fire (in the US). It’s the size larger that is (Escape).
The camoed mules are the ones that were first incorrectly reported to be the Escape. Glad it’s not; that looks SO much better than this. It looks bug-eyed.

Wayne Alan Carr Heyes

If you notice the interior has the same design cues from the puma of old!,

Salih Ahzem

Yes, that sweeping dash curver makes it a refreshing alternative to the stuck-on tablet looks that we are being bombarded to by automakers…

That is going to sell like hotcake for Ford. Anything is better than the current tricycle Ecosport.

M

Alexandro Pietro

Ford is going to replace the sedans/hatches with SUV /Crossovers ,they are NOT to refusing to put others cars in the assembly line!In general they are using the same platform as before, NOT FOOLS!

Benjamin B.

There’s a brand new Fiesta and Focus Hatchback as well as a Focus Estate/wagon. Ford isn’t ditching cars globally. Well the company only sells one tradition 4-door, 3-box Sedan/Saloon in Europe, and Ford is also rumored to discontinue that sedan. But I suspect the next generation Mondeo will be exclusively sold as either a wagon and/or hatchback.

Rocket

Anything’s better than the EcoSport, right?

J-Triumf

That thing looks needlessly chunky. Why can’t they just give us the new Fiesta instead?